Claire made no reply, and Jasper continued—­

“I have this to propose.  The bulk of property left by her father is contained in two moderate-sized houses, one of which is at this time without a tenant.  It is a very comfortable house for a small family.  Just the thing, I should say, for you.  If you will move into this house, you shall have it rent free, as a set-off to the increased charge Fanny will be to you in future.  The three hundred per annum will be paid as usual.  How will that do?”

“The compensation, I think, will be greater than the service,” replied Claire.

“Not at all.  During the next five or six years, or until she gains her majority, you will find the cost of clothing and education a constantly increasing sum.  I know more about these things than you do.  And I am very sure, since I understand your relation to her, that twice this expenditure, could not gain for her what she will have while in your care.  As her guardian, I feel it my duty to provide liberally for her comfort and education, and to this you, of course, can have nothing to object.”

And Claire did not object.  In a few weeks from that time he removed into one of the houses mentioned by Jasper—­a larger and far more comfortable one than that in which he had lived for several years.  Here, with a thankful heart, he gathered his wife and children around him.  How happy they all were!  Not selfishly happy—­if such contradictory terms may be used—­but happy in the warmth of mutual love.  A heaven on earth was this little household.  Shall we contrast it with that of Leonard Jasper?  No!—­the opposite picture would leave upon the reader’s mind too sad an impression; and we will not burden this chapter with another shadow.

CHAPTER XVIII.

During the five or six following years, a number of events occurred bearing more or less seriously upon some of the actors in our story.  With Edward Claire and his family, life had flowed on in an even current; and, but for the fact that his health never fairly recovered from the shock it received in consequence of his having taxed his physical system beyond its capability of endurance, the sunshine would never have been a moment from his threshold.

The important addition made to his income through the new arrangement volunteered by Fanny’s guardian, gave to his external condition a more favourable aspect.  He was no longer troubled about the ways and means of providing for his needful expenses.  A much better situation, so far as a higher salary was concerned, had, during this time offered; but, as it required an amount of confinement and labour which he could not give, without endangering his health, he wisely declined the offer.

Far less smoothly had the current of Leonard Jasper’s life flowed on.  Twice during this period had he received visits from his old acquaintance, Martin, and each time he was made poorer by five thousand dollars.  It was all in vain that he struggled and resisted.  The man had no compassion in him.  He cared not who suffered loss, so he was the gainer.